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BEARDED TIT. (WINTER). 

 Case 40. 



In winter the Eeed Pheasants* join in flocks, 

 varying from three to four or ten or fifteen, and 

 keep together till early in the spring. 



Though such delicate looking little birds, they 

 are remarkably hardy, and seem able to contend 

 against severe weather with greater success than 

 many much larger and apparently stronger birds. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in the 

 reed beds round Heigham Sounds, in Norfolk, in 

 December, 1871. 



RED-BACKED SHRIKE. 

 Case 41. 



The Butcher-bird, as this species is more 

 frequently styled in the south, arrives in the 

 beginning of May, and after rearing its young, 

 departs early in the autumn. 



In some parts of Sussex, and also in the grass 

 country in the neighbourhood of Harrow-on-the- 

 Hill, a few miles north of London, this bird is 

 particularly abundant. 



I have never myself observed them further 

 north than Norfolk, though they occur in York- 

 shire, and have at times, it is said, been met with 

 in Scotland. 



They prey on beetles and other large insects, 

 at times for convenience in feeding transfixing them 

 on thorns in hedges. I once noticed a male flying 

 with what appeared to be an old Yellowhammer in 

 his claws ; though it is stated that the Shrike 

 occasionally destroys young birds, I should hardly 

 have imagined one capable of slaying a full-grown 

 Yellow Bunting. 



* The Bearded Titmouse is known among the 

 marshmen in the east of Norfolk by the name of 

 Reed Pheasant. 



